Construction of Phu Kradueng cable car nears completion

Construction of Phu Kradueng cable car nears completion

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The Phu Kradueng cable car project, nestled in the picturesque Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei province, has ignited a heated discussion, raising doubts about its compatibility with sustainable development objectives.

Many critics point fingers at this project, seeing it as a prime example of government-backed megaprojects, which may endanger natural resources in the name of tourism development.

Recently, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) granted a two-year extension for a feasibility study of the proposed cable car, following the Budget Bureau's approval of a 25.7-million-baht allocation for the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) to advance with the project's design phase.

A Decade-Long Saga

The Phu Kradueng cable car project was first pitched in 1982. Since then, multiple feasibility studies have been undertaken by academic institutions and private firms.

In 2004, the government under Thaksin Shinawatra requested Dasta to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, identifying a potential route and submitting recommendations to the cabinet.

A renewed interest emerged in 2012 when the cabinet tasked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Dasta to revisit the project.

However, progress was stalled due to the backlash from environmentalists, who worried about the impact of overtourism on the park's delicate ecosystem.

The flame was rekindled in 2023, as the government under Srettha Thavisin included the project in a strategic plan for sustainable tourism in designated areas.

Fast-forward to this year, the government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, sanctioned a 25.7-million-baht budget for project design and study.

Still Under Review

Attapol Charoenchansa, the DNP's director-general, clarified on May 5 that the cable car remains in the study phase and hasn't been approved yet. He acknowledged the park's financial constraints, noting that even though it has a sizable management budget, it generates limited revenue. In fiscal year 2024, Phu Kradueng welcomed 66,943 visitors, earning only 13.7 million baht.

Mr Attapol stated that boosting revenue through various means, including the cable car, is being considered.

He mentioned that modern construction methods can minimize land use and environmental impact. They've received technology proposals predominantly from European countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Germany.

A prospective station site has been marked at Pha Mak Dook cliff, situated away from the present main trailhead. The proposed route will extend no more than three kilometers, he said.

Concerns Over Impact

Phu Kradueng, a designated Asean Heritage Park since October 2023, is renowned for its unique mesa landscape and rich endemic plant species, making it a haven for botanists and nature enthusiasts.

Environmental activists caution that even if the forest escapes significant damage from the cable car, the project would permanently alter the 4.4-kilometer hiking trail to the summit - a route admired as one of Thailand's finest.

The DNP also plans wider improvements within a 10-kilometer radius of the park, encompassing road upgrades, a shuttle bus system, learning centers, and new visitor facilities.

Officials declared that cable cars could enhance accessibility for day-trippers, alleviating pressure on the park's scarce overnight accommodations.

Mr Attapol emphasized that public resistance to the project has dwindled, and many residents now back it due to expectations of increased tourism income.

Despite the growing local support, conservationists stay doubtful. They question if the cable car's convenience outweighs the potential loss of the park's natural allure.

Additionally, they warn that the anticipated economic benefits for surrounding communities may not materialize if the project neglects sustainability benchmarks.

Most critically, the estimated one-billion-baht investment cost might not yield promising returns. With a lengthy payback period and substantial long-term maintenance costs, critics assert that the cable car could transform into a financial burden rather than a blessing for national park management.

1. The Phu Kradueng cable car project, a decades-long debate over sustainable development, has sparked controversies within environmental-science communities, as concerns about climate-change impacts and the project's financial viability persist.
2. The proposed cable car project, a part of the Thai government's strategic plan for sustainable tourism, has garnered interest from European industries, with offers of modern construction methods to minimize land use and environmental impact.
3. As the project progresses, some question the wisdom of investing over one billion baht in the cable car, with critics arguing that the lengthy payback period and substantial long-term maintenance costs could make it a financial burden for real-estate management, rather than a successful business venture or tourist attraction.
4. In the midst of these debates, public investments in environmental-science projects, like the Phu Kradueng cable car, raise eyebrows, as financial decisions might sacrifice natural resources for the benefit of industry and tourism.
5. Meanwhile, the Phu Kradueng National Park's transportation options are under consideration to accommodate growing visitor numbers, with potential solutions including public-transit systems and improved road infrastructure, all aimed at striking a balance between sustainable development, tourism, and environmental preservation.

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